Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York

There’s no shortage of things to do throughout the rest of the year in NYC, but the summer is when this city truly shines. New York Summers are full of possibility with concerts, festivals, restaurants, and other extensive entertainment options.

Whether you live in New York or are just visiting, our Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City will help you plan out what to do every weekend – until the summer is over!

Concerts

Brand New & Modest Mouse

We can’t imagine a better one-two musical punch that will activate a fierce nostalgia in your bones. Brand New and Modest Mouse act together as a powerful rock duo that will bring you right back to your emo high school days.

Billy Joel

If you haven’t been to New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, it’s hard to think of a better time than this summer’s upcoming Billy Joel concert. Immerse yourself in a musical experience that can only come together from someone who’s a songwriter, singer, and pianist!

Haitus Kaiyote

Hiatus Kaiyote knows a little bit about the power of phonetics and a lot about music. This future-soul quartet is making the long trip from Melbourne, Australia to share their musical stylings with New York City. You’ll catch them jammin’ at the Amphitheater at the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Comedy Shows

Seinfeld

Seinfeld has a very loyal following, even years after the TV show stopped producing new episodes. If you’re the type of person who finds yourself constantly quoting the show, you’d be wise to grab a ticket to one of two dates before other super fans beat you to it!

New York City FC

Theater/Musicals

What could be better than a night on Broadway in New York City? You haven’t fully experienced all this wonderful city has to offer until you’ve made some time for some of our nation’s best theatrical productions!

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

Looking for a play that will make you think? Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is dripping with historical references – but some are fictionalized! A must see for those interested in the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism.

Queensbridge Park

If you’re by the Queensboro Bridge, you really ought to make your way over to Queensbridge Park. It was constructed back in 1901, but has been beautifully maintained since then. Spend the day enjoying an almost unlimited amount of leisure activities including a wading pool, picnic areas, and sports fields like volleyball.

Gantry Plaza State park

There isn’t a lot of space to spare in New York City, but the Gantry Plaza State Park spans over 12 acres. You might recognize it’s picturesque grounds from the 2005 film Munich, and the film The Interpreter (look for the Pepsi sign!).

Washington Square Park

If you’re enjoying a stroll on Fifth Avenue, you might as well take a detour to the Washington Square Park. Catch up on a little history while viewing statues featuring famous figures from history, like George Washington, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Alexander Lyman Holley. You may recognize it from movies including I am Legend, August Rush, and Kids.

Union Square Park

If you’re a fan of outdoor markets, then you’d better make sure that your time in New York City leads to an afternoon in Union Square Park. It’s home to the Union Square Green Market. If you’re downtown in the winter, you’ll also be able to catch the Union Square Holiday Market.

Madison Square Park

There’s plenty of historical relevance within the gates of Madison Square Park, but we’re really most excited about the Shake Shack that serves up delicious hotdogs, burgers, and shakes. Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, make sure to check out the various statues and walking areas.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park’s namesake is an homage to the New York Evening Post editor and abolitionist: William Cullen Bryant. Its beautiful grounds have been featured in popular movies like Ghostbusters and Morning Glory. Besides trying to recreate your favorite scenes, you should also check out the reading room, skating pond, and holiday shops (if you’re there in the winter!).

And if you’re there at the exact right time, you may be able to catch a taping of the final three in Project Runway during Fashion Week.

Touristy Stuff

There’s no avoiding it so you might as well embrace it. Besides, New York City tourist spots are bucket list items for travelers.

Empire State Building

Also known as New York’s nickname namesake. Its Art Deco style has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Make sure to take the elevator up to the 86th floor for the most insane views of New York’s metropolis.

Times Square

Have you really been to New York City if you haven’t spent time in Times Square? The flashing billboards and heavy (pedestrian and vehicular) traffic are all part of the experience. You may also know it as the Crossroads of the World, Center of the Universe, or the Heart of the Great White Way. If you’re in New York City in the winter, head over for the Annual Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve.

The “square” is a bit of a misnomer, as the area Times Square occupies is more like a polygon in a bowtie shape. Attempts to petition the city to change the name to Times Bowtie Polygon have been unsuccessful.

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of hope for immigrants arriving in Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty is almost synonymous with “America.” This 151 foot copper status was a gift to the US from the people of France.Statue Cruises will ferry you over, then you can purchase tickets to climb the staircase, pedestal, and crown.

Top Food Picks

Where do we begin? NYC has no shortage of food options, even if our go-to is always a delicious cheese pizza that we devour by ourselves in a single sitting.Here are a few suggestions to get you started on your New York City food journey.

Brooklyn Brewery

Here’s a spot for the tourist who’s over 21. Brooklyn Brewery beer is known and distributed throughout the United States, but you should give it a try at the home base.

Jack’s Wife Freda

Black Tap

Need an afternoon treat? The Black Tap has some insane milkshakes that tend to photograph well for Instagram, if you’re into that sort of thing. Not feeling sweet? They also serve a hearty menu of craft beer and burgers.

Baracca

So there you have it. Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City. With a little bit of planning, you can have it all: Yankees games, a performance of Hamilton, Nick Offerman’s live comedy show, a beautiful day in the park, and some brag worthy meals (to start!).

Is there something we missed? What would you add to the Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!

Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York was last modified: August 15th, 2016 by Maddy Osman